New chiefs at the charity helm
RSABI, the Scottish charity which, for more than 100 years, has offered support and guidance to people in the agricultural industry, has announced changes to its team at the top.
Following the retirement of East Lothian farmer and former NFU Scotland president John Kinnaird – chairman of the board of trustees for the past five years – agricultural writer and journalist Ewan Pate has stepped into the top role, with the weel-kent face of auctioneer David Leggat as vice-president.
While the farming industry has seen many changes since the organisation was first set up in 1897, the deep agricultural depression of the time – with many tenant farmers struggling on rather than give up their tenancies to retire at a reasonable age – might still have echoes today.
Pate said he was delighted with the honour, adding: “The charity has gone from strength to strength in recent years, it is good to be part of that success.”
However, he agreed that people in the sector faced an uncertain future – with future trading arrangements, farm support measures and other policy issues in turmoil alongside, volatile prices and continued poor weather all adding to the stresses of modern farming:
“I want to make sure that everyone who needs emotional, practical or financial support gets it,” said Pate.
Leggat, who retired last year as executive chairman of United Auctions, was also keen to do the most for the industry. “I am now farming myself and appreciate the challenges out there,” said Leggat, “RSABI is a modern, effective organisation, and is there to help when needed.”